Fredericksburg’s New Year Pear Drop: Gone But Not Forgotten

For 11 years, Fredericksburg marked the new year by dropping a six-foot paper mâché pear from a spot above Caroline Street.

The drop-off platform was a building or the raised ladders of a fire truck. Still, it was a celebratory moment that the partiers in Fredericksburg celebrated at midnight on December 31.

“It was a big event,” said Amena Thornton, the artist at Amena Art at 810 Caroline Street. That building at 810 Caroline Street is several stories, so some drops went off that roof. A few were dropped off an extended fire truck ladder as well.

“I think there was an apple for some time, but then they switched to the pear,” she added.

Fellow artist Ken Crampton was the creator of the pear at his studio in that building, and there was some disagreement about the procedure, so this was discontinued. Crampton looked back on his six-foot pear. “We would lower it at midnight,” he said.

It was a pear because there used to be unique pear trees up and down Caroline Street, but the fruits caused a mess, so they took them down. The pear drop was part of the “First Night America” festivities that used to occur in Fredericksburg. “I was one of the artists involved,” Crampton said. He thought this was around 1991 but he wasn’t sure of that year.

The pear became known as “Ken’s Pear,” but its whereabouts are unknown. One thing is for sure, though: it is not being dropped on New Year’s Eve 2024.

Crampton has an art studio called “Eyeclops Studio,” where he practices his art in an artsy spot off the beaten path on Charlotte Street. There, he specializes in fine art, photography, parade puppetry, lessons, paint parties, graphic design, and branding. Drum circles are part of that. “Ken Crampton’s multifaceted approach has undeniably left a lasting imprint on the cultural landscape, fostering creativity and connection within the community,” read the description on his website.

Drumming does have positive elements to it, says Crampton, who maintains a webpage called “Everybody Drum.” It says that drumming transcends its role as a mere musical activity, extending its impact on physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

During the school year, Crampton worked as a nutrition specialist managing the Walker Grant Middle School Café with Fredericksburg schools. First, he’s an artist, though, with drum circles attracting about 10 to 30 people, including families.

This year, the City of Fredericksburg is officially not part of any activity on New Year’s Eve. However, several restaurants are having specials to ring up and down Caroline Street in the new year.

Brock’s Riverside Grill
503 Sophia Street
540-370-1820
Two parties, upstairs and downstairs
Live music and dancing
$20 cover charge
Champagne Toast

Rehana’s
104 Wolfe Street
540-491-9227
8 pm 4-course dinner with wine
11 pm-1 am After party
Alpine Chef
200 Lafayette Boulevard
540-656-2101
Live classical guitarist Chris Ladd, 5-9 pm

Reclaim Arcade
2324 Plank Road
Turn Back Time party
The Wavos, ‘80s sounds
75 pinball games